Michael KellyThe head of the Order of Malta has said he would like the Irish Government to establish full diplomatic relations with the humanitarian organisation.
The Order is a sovereign entity in international law and maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 countries and has observer status at many international organisations including the United Nations (UN).
The Prince and Grand Master of the order Fra’ Matthew Festing this week told The Irish Catholic he would be “delighted” if Ireland joined the 104 other countries with which the order has diplomatic relations and exchanges ambassadors.
“I would be extremely keen on that,” he said when asked about whether he would like to approach the Department of Foreign Affairs about establishing full diplomatic relations to enhance Ireland’s co-operation with the order in international humanitarian relief.
“Ireland is, after all, very much a country that does very good work overseas. I think that Ireland is a natural partner for us. I’m very much in favour of it, we don’t have diplomatic relations at the moment, but I’d very much like to see it,” he said.
The Order of Malta is one of the largest humanitarian relief organisations in the world, operating in more than 120 countries. Its programmes include medical assistance, disaster relief, and support for refugees and internally displaced persons regardless of race, origin or religion.